17 - day The best of Vietnam tour

This morning, we leave the bustling city behind and drive northwest to visit Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during Vietnam war. Here, after a 20 minutes long documentary movie you will learn about how the tunnels were created and have a chance to walk through a section to experience what life would have been like underground. Drive back to the city center for lunch.

Your first  visit in the afternoon is the historic Reunification Palace, formerly the presidential palace of the South Vietnamese government, which was attacked by Viet Cong troops on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Republic of Vietnam. 

Then stroll to European-style landmarks neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, which dates from the late 19th century and is built of red brick with two distinctive spires, the Central Post Office - one of Vietnam’s most beautiful examples of French colonial architecture. 

7:30 PM Board  boat restaurant cruising on Sai Gon river for dinner.   

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh city

This morning, after breakfast we check out hotel before making 2.50hrs road journey outside of bustling Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta that considered  “Rice bowl of Vietnam”. The delta is blessed with the best weather, excellent geographic location and a vast area of 3.8 million hectares of rice cultivable area. Our destination is Ben Tre where is famous for its coconut plantations.

Upon arrival in Ben Tre city, taking private sampan ride to visit local brick kilns to learn how the local burn bricks in traditional method. Continue sampan ride along one of the town's scenic and peaceful canals where you can disembark to visit a riverside coconut candy workshop to learn about making the sweet keo dua the region is known for.  Taking brief walk into local village to visit a mat weaving family, where sedge mats are woven by using a hand loom.

Riding on motor cart (Tuk Tuk) on shady village road, passing by lush rice fields and vegetable plains next. Stop at local restaurant for delicious lunch featuring such local specialty as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp. 

Go back to the main boat by sampan rowing boat. Head to Can Tho city where you stay overnight. 

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch
• Accommodation: Can Tho.

Take early private 30 minutes engine boat ride  to explore the largest wholesale floating market in the Mekong Delta – Cai Rang market. The market begins around 05:00 and runs until midday. Here you will see hundreds of large cargo boats packed with mangos, bananas, coconuts, papayas, mangosteen, watermelons, longans, rambutants, pineapples, vegetables,…  The boat owners advertise what they sell by hanging their product from the top of a long bamboo pole at the bow. More interestingly, smaller boats sell local breakfast dishes like Bun Rieu,  Banh Mi, coconut water and even lottery tickets.

We head to rice noodle factory for visit next.  You will see steps of making the noodles from soaking the grains of rice in water to sun drying on bamboo racks and machine cut into noodles. Transferred back to Ho Chi Minh city for 1hour flight to Dalat city. Upon your arrival, your tour guide and driver will greet you and escort you to the city center help with your check-in hotel. 

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch
• Accommodation: Da Lat

City tour begins with visit to the city’s bustling central market, renowned for its fresh vegetables and fruit that is rarely found in a tropical country. 

Visit Bao Dai's Summer Palace that sits on a hilltop just outside the main centre. The art deco building was built between 1933-1938 as summer retreat for Vietnam’s last Emperor and his family. 

Then take cable enjoyable car ride departing from Robin Hill above pine forest to Truc Lam pagoda - the largest Institute of Meditation in Vietnam. The city’s largest pagoda is set amidst pine forests right by the tranquil Tuyen Lam Lake and is divided into 3 zones: a zone for the monks, a zone for the nuns and a zone for visitors. 

Lunch break prior to next stop at the Hang Nga House, also known as “Crazy House”, a unique piece of art by Madam Viet Nga, a contemporary architect.

Move onto Dalat's crémaillere (cog railway) train station, which was built by the French from early 20th century to link Dalat and Thap Cham. The railroad’s operation stopped in 1972 due to fierce war. But in 1991, 7km railroad was rebuilt for tourism purpose.  Here you can admire the Art Deco style of the station and take a 30-minute train ride to Trai Mat, where you will  explore Linh Phuoc Pagoda, a striking pagoda decorated with a mosaic of glass, pottery, and porcelain. 

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch
• Accommodation: Da Lat

This morning, Saying goodbey to " Iternal spring" city, we embard 3hours scenic drive to the coastal city of Nha Trang. Drive on a panoramic route down a lush mountain pass the coastal plains of Central Vietnam. Your journey is through highland crops of coffee, tea and vegetables to that of tobacco, grapes and rice as the road descends into a dry climate. Arrival in Nha Trang by noon.  

Lunch at local restaurant before hotel check in. 

Start afternoon tour with visit to Po Nagar temples - spectacular Cham architecture. The temples were built the 7th and 12th centuries and situated on hilltop of mount Cu Lao. The Po Nagar Cham Towers are part of a sacred Hindu site that dates back to the 2nd Century AD but now both Hindu Cham & Buddhist Vietnamese come to practice their own religion. Then depart to Long Son Pagoda, with its enormous white Buddha statue. Visit to vivid Dam market before enjoying your free time. 

•  Meals: Breakfast / lunch
•  Accommodation: Nha Trang.

This morning, make short drive to Cau Da pier to board your private cruise boat as to explore couple of islands dotted offshore.  First stop is Mun island where you can jump into crystal lear waters and do snorkeling or scuba diving  to see fish as well as colorful corals. Then continue to Lang Chai for sightseeing.  Head to Tam island where your boats anchors for lunch.  You are free to partake in the exciting watersports here or relaxing on the beach. 

Mid afternoon, the boat takes you back to the pier where your car is waiting to transfer you back to your hotel. Remainder of the day, free at leisure. 

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch
• Accommodation: Nha Trang

This morning, you are transferred back to the airport for 1hour flight to Da Nang costal city. Upon your arrival, your tour guide and driver will greet and take you to Son Tra  peninsula, also called Monkey island by many. Panoramic view of Danang city from the island is breathtaking.

Explore Linh Ung pagoda with huge Buddha. Take brief stroll on My Khe which have been praised one of the most alluring beaches on earth by Forbes. Head to your hotel in Hoian for check in. The remainder of the day stay at leisure. 

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch
• Accommodation: Hoi An 

Enjoy a morning walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site retaining a diverse mix of architecture influenced by the many nations that traded in this historic port of call.

Begin with a visit to the Fujian Assembly Hall, established as a meeting place by Chinese merchants fleeing the Manchu conquest of China in 17th century. The hall is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Tian Hau, and the Chinese merchants' ancestors, and is adorned with ornate carvings and statues. Continue to the Old House of Tan Ky, the iconic 400-year old Japanese covered bridge, and then to Trade ceramic museum. The city exploration on foot concludes at the vibrant riverside market nearby. 

This afternoon, take 30 minutes boat journey on Thu Bon river to head into the cooking classroom and learn how to prepare different local dishes and the techniques necessary to recreate them once you return home. Last but not least, sample your delicious creations!  

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Accommodation: Hoi An

Enjoy your free morning to explore  the heritage town yourself. 

Early afternoon, travel overland northwards to Hue ancient capital. On route, make a visit to the Cham Museum in Da Nang city, which has a big collection of Champa sculpture dating back to the seventh century. Photo stop at  Hai Van Pass  known as Cloudy pass (weather permitting). Arrival in Hue late afternoon, check in hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch
• Accommodation: Hue

Make tour of the former Imperial capital, modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Enter the Ngo Mon Gate, main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and the central passage reserved for use by the Emperor. Continue to the Supreme harmonious Palace or Thai Hoa in Vietnamese with its spacious hallways and ornamental roof, the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the royal family. 

Short drive to legendary Thien Mu pagoda on the north bank of Perfume river. Take boat excursion on the iconic Perfume River as to explore the life along the banks of the ancient royal capital city. Lunch with local dishes.

Continue ancient capital exploration with visit to the tomb of King Tu Duc, the dynasty’s longest reigning ruler. Unlike other tombs, the 12ha tomb complex with theater, bedroom, moon viewing house, pagoda, fishing pond was used by the King and his entourage as summer palace during his lifetime.

Discover tomb of Khai Dinh, built in Chau Chu mountain. Built for the Emperor Khai Dinh between 1920-31, the last tomb of its kind is an impressive structure combining western and eastern architecture, guarded by statues of soldiers and animals. This is only royal tomb that position of the king’s corpse can be found. 

This evening, transfer to Hue airport for 1hour flight to Hanoi capital city. Upon arrival, you are welcome by our local tour guide and driver for transfer to your preferred hotel for check in. 

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch
• Accommodation: Hanoi

Your full day city exploration begins with drive through French area to the Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh delivered the independence declaration in the morning of September 2nd 1945. Lining up for entering inside the Soviet-style mausoleum where late president Ho Chi Minh’s corpse has been reserved for years.  Then walk through the gardens of the Presidential Palace to House 54 where Ho Chi Minh lived during 1954-1958. Strolling along the little pond, you will see Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, the humble dwelling was modeled of hill tribes traditional dwelling far north of the country where Ho Chi Minh and his government ever lived during French war. Take photos of the One Pillar Pagoda - one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples which was built since 11th century. 

Short drive to the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, which served as the first national university of Vietnam till end of 18th century.
Lunch with Ha Noi specialty at a local restaurant. 

You drive out of the central city to visit the Museum of Ethnology showcases the diverse culture of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups through a collection of clothes, textiles, musical instruments and many other items from daily life.

Explore the fascinating Old quarter  by cyclo before wrapping the tour with water puppet show, an unique folk art of Viet Nam from about 11st century.

After that, you will be transferred to station for night train to Sapa

Please note: The Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday (outside grounds and garden area will be open on these days) and normally closed from September 4 through November 5 for preservation and maintenance of the building. 

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch
• Accommodation: On train to Sapa

This morning, you will be picked up at  Lao Cai Station and set off 2-hour drive to Bac Ha town. We visit Bac market,  which is held every Sunday. It is the biggest minority peoples market in Northwest Vietnam. Alive with the bright colours and extravagant costumes of the local people, here you will meet Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Black Dao, Tay, Nung, La Chi, Phu La and other minority groups who come from far and wide to buy and sell a wide variety of goods and livestock, to exchange news and to renew friendships.

In the past the market was a centre for trading horses but now that motorbikes have replaced them it is more common to see buffalo, cows, goats, fish and other livestock being traded. The market opens at around 7.30am and closes mid-afternoon.

We then have lunch break at local restaurant.

Head back to Sapa, transfer to Y Linh Ho, a village inhabited by the Hmong minority. This is a great opportunity to take photographs of hereditary terraces that are estimated around 100 years old. From Y Linh Ho we will start our trek to Lao Chai village where you will visit the Hmong home town. You will then continue onto Ta Van, an established Hmong and Giay village. Here you will be warmly welcomed by local Hmong family and stay here for the night in homestay.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch/ dinner
• Accommodation: Homestay

On the morning of the second day open the window and have a look outside — you will be treated to sensational views across the rice terraces. After breakfast you'll trek through an enchanting bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai.

After a few hours of trekking, we will stop and enjoy a picnic lunch with our scenic views. We then walk back to the main road and catch the private car back to Sapa Town.

Stay at leisure for the remainder of the day.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Sapa

This morning, we conquer Fanxifang, 3143 meters above sea level – the highest peak in Indochina.

Exploration of this mount used to be not easy for many people until recently when cable cars and mountain rail system were built.
Start your tour with short mountain railway ride through the scenic Muong Hoa valley to cable cars station.  We then embark cable car ride over the mighty Hoang Lien range.

Challenge your self with climbing some 600 steps to the mount’s peak. The view of the surrounding landscape is so breathtaking.
You can use Funicular to easy your conquer so you only have to work some one hundred steps.

We then get back to the Sapa for lunch at local restaurant.
This afternoon, we leave for night train back to Hanoi.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Hanoi

9:00 embark your 3-hour drive through Red river delta’s peaceful villages. Upon arrival in Halong, board luxurious boat. 

Your overnight cruise journey in Ha Long Bay includes visits to a sandy beach and a limestone cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. Doing kayaking to a lagoon and partaking in cooking demonstration are part of your activities as well.

Ha Long Bay has been twice recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in 1994 and 2000 as well as named one of the seven natural wonders of the world,  Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin and 165 kilometres from Hanoi, covers an area of 43,400 hectares and includes over 1,600 islands and islets. The exceptional scenic beauty of the limestone pillars complemented by biological interest is an ideal model of a mature Karst landscape developed during a warm and wet tropical climate. The outstanding value of Ha Long Bay is centered around the drowned limestone karst landforms, displaying spectacular pillars with a variety of coastal erosional features such as arches and caves which form a majestic natural scenery.  

• Meals: Breakfast / lunch / dinner
• Accommodation: Cruise boat 

Start your day with early get up and practicing Tai Chi exercise with help of a crewmember. Then continue your unforgettable Halong Bay cruise until a big brunch is finished and then disembark the cruiser at around 10:00 am.  Our guide and driver will meet you at the pier then drive back to Hanoi for your depature flight

Meals: Brunch